[Development and preservation of locomotor ability in the aged]

For maintaining and developing motor mobility in old age motor activity is essential. We can take from the phylogenesis and ontogenesis of the human being how important physical activity is for personality development and for maintaining physical fitness in old age. Many phenomena, which have so far been thought to be due to natural consequences of the ageing process, can now be traced back to lack of physical activity. These findings are illustrated by examples referring to the most important subsystems of our organism (such as the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system etc.). To keep these subsystems and with them our organism as a whole functioning as well as possible, we must improve their specific adaptability through sports and exercise. Sports and exercise for the elderly as well as gymnastics for senior citizens should therefore adequately improve coordinative skills, the ability of the muscles to relax, joint flexibility, muscle strength, endurance, vegetative adaptability , stress tolerance, controlling body-weight, and resistance to infections. Training plans for the elderly should include as wide a range of abilities and skills and as great a variety of activities as possible. In this way physical activity will be most efficient as a means of prophylaxis against premature deterioration of motor performance in old age, it will maintain motor mobility, which enables us to lead an independent life. By gaining new experience older people will increase their well-being and improve the quality of their life.